Thinking to London shall not mean only old buildings, obsolete citymarks. Not at all, this huge city has also a modern touch.
The London Eye is one of them. But what is London Eye actually? First look, and then read further.
London Eye, also named Millenium Wheel, is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, measuring 135 metres.
The London Eye is located on the western end of Jubilee gardens, on the south bank of River Thames. When former Prime Minister Tony Blair opened it to public on 31.12.1999 it was supposed to become one of London’s citymarks and major attractions. Which the London Eye did succesfully: it is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the U.K. (3 600 000 visitors former year)!
The London Eye holds 32 sealed and air conditioned capsules, attached on its external circumference. Each one of this capsules can hold approximately 25 people. The Eye moves so slowly, that it doesn’t need ever stop for embarking, excepting emergencies and disabled or elderly people. The average speed is 26 cm per second; a full rotation is made within 30 minute.
The succes is based on the fantastic spectacular sight of London which is providing. Try it, during your London stay.
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July 22nd, 2008 at 12:28 am
The London Eye’s really beautiful and it has sparked other Eyes all over the world..including one in my country!
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
London Eye.. I have seen it in the pic but not this close. The capsules with aircond and never stops… wow.. 26cm per second is fast.. is it enough for everyone to fill the capsule.. of course not talking about elderly people…
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:33 pm
it looks pretty in night. keep da spirit to blog
July 24th, 2008 at 2:36 am
Took a trip on the eye recently. It is quite a good way to spend half-an-hour. Be prepared to queue for quite a while and remember to empty your bladder before you head up.
Getting on and off isn’t too hard, the capsules don’t move any faster than the escalators on the Underground, although the staff who are there telling you to get on quickly do give a sense of unwanted urgency.
If you don’t know London you may want to visit the shop first and buy one of the guides which tells you what you are looking at.
July 24th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
EEEEK! Three words: Afraid. of. heights.
July 25th, 2008 at 3:55 am
Although I am a bit afraid of heights too I would love to get into one of those capsules. The view from the top must be incredible.
July 27th, 2008 at 5:42 am
The speed is very little, and you must find some power inside to beat your fears.
September 13th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
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